New Dawn Last Day

This year our healing arts camp was just two days.  This worked well, but we did feel like it would always be good to spend more time with these students. After completing two more rotations of students through our four art classes, everyone shared their work in a performance put on for each other.  New Dawn Director, Irene, and Pastor Sammy of the Huruma church were both on hand to encourage the students and what they had accomplished.  After the performance we had a certificate ceremony and then said our goodbyes, which took a long time.  We were supposed to leave at 3 to avoid Nairobi traffic, but of course, we didn't make it out until 4 pm.

Some highlights were seeing the students, many of whom we've had for 3 years now, really begin to understand the value of the arts and how they can continue to express themselves through them to help address their pain and trauma, even after we have gone.

Several New Dawn alums were also there to visit, including Sammy, whom we learned is finally going to be sponsored for college.  Because he is the oldest son, he has been delaying college for himself, in order to provide for his family and see to it that his younger sister Faith completes college. Faith has recently graduated and we were all thrilled to hear he will be attending next term.   My other special New Dawn alum, Kaycee, whom I have known now for 5 years also came for a visit. She shared a powerful dramatic poem during the student performance.  She also shared that she is now attending university and studying social work.  That was another hallelujah moment for me, knowing that several of these students who have grown up in the slums now have the opportunity to truly break free from their systemic poverty.

Another poignant sample of the hands the students created of their past and future. 

Our finished mural titled "Reaching for the Stars"

Joseph helped with our camp and worked with Lance in the music class. 

Melabone, the head student, helped explain our art work during the performance.

Purity is one of our students who shared her poetry.

Kaycee performing her dramatic poem. 

The students always enjoy receiving certificates. 

Two alums.  One is Steven who is part of a team of 4 brothers who have been sponsored for college.  Zedikiah on the left is a very talented musician, the sole provider for his younger sister, who is waiting to go to college and needs sponsorship.  It breaks our hearts that we cannot support all who need it.